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Writing Craft

Need to Add Depth to a Character? Consider A Quirk

July 26, 2018

Need to Add Depth to a Character? Consider A Quirk

July 26, 2018

We talk a lot here at the blog about strong, unforgettable characters. Which ones do I most vividly remember? What makes them so unforgettable? One of the common denominators is…

Tools for the Visual-Spatial Writer (and the Rest of Us)

July 24, 2018

Tools for the Visual-Spatial Writer (and the Rest of Us)

July 24, 2018

One of the most important things I learned as a teacher was that children learn differently, and the best approach for reaching them all included a variety of methods. I…

Occupation Thesaurus: Landscape Designer

July 21, 2018

Occupation Thesaurus: Landscape Designer

July 21, 2018

Jobs are as important for our characters as they are for real people. A character’s career might be their dream job or one they’ve chosen due to necessity. In your…

Character Vulnerability: There Will Be Blood

July 17, 2018

Character Vulnerability: There Will Be Blood

July 17, 2018

This is something I say to almost every writer: Make no mistake, there WILL be blood! No, I’m not referring to the movie. Or even to literal blood. But to…

Occupation Thesaurus: Bouncer

July 14, 2018

Occupation Thesaurus: Bouncer

July 14, 2018

Jobs are as important for our characters as they are for real people. A character’s career might be their dream job or one they’ve chosen due to necessity. In your…

Spy Novels: How to Nail The Character of an Espionage Hero

July 12, 2018

Spy Novels: How to Nail The Character of an Espionage Hero

July 12, 2018

Great treat for you today–Piper Bayard (of Bayard & Holmes) is digging into what an espionage character should look like. And she should know, because her co-author, Jay Holmes…well, read…

How Do You Lead Readers to Your Theme?

July 10, 2018

How Do You Lead Readers to Your Theme?

July 10, 2018

Theme & Symbolism Database A good book, once finished, often leaves you with that feeling of something more. I like to think of it as the book’s essence. It kind…

How To “Level Up” Your Character’s Wound

July 3, 2018

Understanding how to properly create a character's emotional wound

How To “Level Up” Your Character’s Wound

July 3, 2018

Every writer who has spent time studying the craft writing knows of the character wound, and that they are the foundation of a strong, memorable character. Why? Because they make…

Occupation Thesaurus: Ethical Hacker

June 30, 2018

Occupation Thesaurus: Ethical Hacker

June 30, 2018

Jobs are as important for our characters as they are for real people. A character’s career might be their dream job or one they’ve chosen due to necessity. In your…

Wax On, Wax Off: 5 Areas To Polish Before Submitting A Manuscript

June 26, 2018

Wax On, Wax Off: 5 Areas To Polish Before Submitting A Manuscript

June 26, 2018

Mr. Miyagi: Wax On, Wax Off (Karate Kid) Most writers are familiar with the saying, “You only get one chance to impress,” and there is no industry where this holds…